Ontario Arrows head coach Chris Silverthorn has named his starting lineup for Friday’s home match against the Canada Selects.

The match will serve as a key fixture to assist Canada’s national senior men’s program in their preparations for the upcoming June international window.

With four current Arrows selected for inclusion into the Canada Selects’ squad – lock Paul Ciulini, scrum-half Andrew Ferguson, hooker Martial Lagain, and wing Kainoa Lloyd – Silverthorn has made six changes to his starting lineup that defeated northeastern American premier club side Boston Mystics 77-8 in the club’s home opener on May 5.

Hong Kong international hooker Alex Post will make his Arrows debut, and prop Mike Smith will earn his first start of the season. Home opener substitute Alex Gliksten slots in at scrum-half, respectively, while the trio of wing Aaron McLelland, centre Jamie Leveridge, and lock Josh Van Horne will return to the Arrows squad.

“This match represents a big opportunity for our club,” said Silverthorn. “The Canada Selects will be hungry to impress ahead of the June internationals, which will make this a very tough test. This is a chance to see how far we’ve come since we began our season in March.”

“There’s an element of familiarity to this match that makes it unique,” Silverthorn added. “When we kick off on Friday, we’ll be facing seven players in Canada’s starting lineup who have worn Arrows colours over the past year. We’re very proud to see our Arrows get opportunities to wear the red and white, but from the moment the whistle blows, it’ll be business-as-usual on the pitch. We’ll be giving our all for this match, and fans can expect an intense, entertaining 80 minutes. It will be a showcase of top-tier Canadian rugby.”

Squad Notes:

– Post will make his Arrows debut, while Larsen and Lemkus are in contention to make their club debuts off the substitutes’ bench
– Smith will make his first start for the club
– Four squad members are Canada Under-20 program grads: Kelly (2017), Milazzo (2016), Richardson (2016), West (2012); Post is a Hong Kong Under-20 program grad

Friday’s match will be played at York Lions Stadium at York University, and will kick off at 7 p.m. EDT. Tickets are available online for $15, as well as at the gate on matchday for $20. Youth (16 and under) can enjoy free admission.